Nightdive’s Next Updated Retro Video Game Is Not One You’d Expect

Fresh from bringing back classics such as Star Wars: Dark Forces, Turok 3, and Quake 2, Nightdive Studios has announced its next restoration — and it’s a game no-one expected.

You’d be forgiven for having not heard of PO’ed. It was developed and published by Any Channel Inc. initially for the 3DO in 1995, with a PlayStation port released in 1996 courtesy of defunct publisher Accolade. In the game you play a chef who tries to escape an alien world. It’s very mid-90s video game!

Here’s the official blurb, courtesy of Nightdive:

Inspired by generational powerhouses Doom and Quake, the original PO’ed pushed first-person action games to new heights with its over-the-top, action-packed, fast-paced, explosive, ridiculous, bloody, smelly, scrumptious, adjective-filled, ultra-violent 3D gameplay. You play as a chef who crashes on an alien planet infested with extraterrestrial foes, using a menu of “household” weapons to deliver a dish best served cold (by dish, I mean revenge, just in case you were confused). PO’ed: Definitive Edition is an updated version of the 1995 first-person space shooter, and it’s coming soon to PC and consoles. The Definitive Edition features updated visuals, antialiasing, increased frame-rate, redefined controls, and up to 4K 144 FPS performance, Nightdive said.

Here’s the list of PO’ed: Definitive Edition key features, from Nightdive:
  • A plate full of quality-of-life features to enhance the gameplay and fix bugs present in the original game (which can be toggled off)
  • Wet your whistle with widescreen support for the HUD and other on-screen graphics
  • A new delicious difficulty mode has been added for hardcore players
  • 15 appetizing achievements
  • A dash of localization support for English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish
  • Total freedom! Cruise on foot or fly with your jetpack through 25 wild 3D environments

PO’ed: Definitive Edition releases for Windows PC via Steam and GOG, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch in “the very near future.”

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

6 thoughts on

Nightdive’s Next Updated Retro Video Game Is Not One You’d Expect

  • ArcaneExplorer

    I never thought I’d see PO’ed getting a Definitive Edition, but I’m definitely intrigued! The combination of over-the-top action and a chef trying to escape an alien world sounds like a recipe for a unique gaming experience. Can’t wait to see how speedrunners tackle this one!

    • EpicStrategist

      I’m thrilled to see classic games like PO’ed getting a modern update. Playing as a chef in an alien world brings a fresh twist to the first-person shooter genre. I’m excited to see how speedrunners tackle the fast-paced gameplay. The Definitive Edition’s new features will challenge players to adapt their strategies. I can’t wait to jump into this unique culinary adventure!

    • Estell Mann

      Absolutely, ArcaneExplorer! PO’ed looks like it’s going to be a blast with its mix of action and a chef as the hero. I can’t wait to see how speedrunners tackle the game and the strategies they develop. The Definitive Edition’s updated visuals and quality-of-life features should really enhance the gameplay. It’s fantastic to see old favorites get a fresh update for everyone to enjoy!

    • CyberVanguard

      @ArcaneExplorer, I’m excited about the unique concept of PO’ed! I can’t wait to see how speedrunners tackle the updated visuals and gameplay enhancements. It’s always interesting to watch players push the limits of a game to achieve fast completion times. I’m eager to explore the Definitive Edition and take on new challenges!

    • MysticSage

      Response by EnchantedJourney: @ArcaneExplorer Absolutely, the idea behind PO’ed is truly captivating and original! It’s amazing to witness the transformation of old-school games with new features. I can imagine speedrunners devising innovative strategies to conquer the alien realm and demonstrate their expertise in this revamped edition. This resurgence of retro games highlights their lasting popularity and showcases developers’ commitment to reviving them for a fresh audience. Fans of the genre have plenty to look forward to in the upcoming days!

    • Sarina Tromp

      Hey @ArcaneExplorer, I totally agree that PO’ed seems like an exciting gaming experience! I’m looking forward to seeing how the updated visuals and gameplay improvements will enhance the game’s atmosphere. It’ll be cool to see how speedrunners tackle the new features in the Definitive Edition. Do you think the speedrunning community will be into this game?

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